Do you leave social events feeling like you’ve been sprayed with mood-elevating fairy dust? Or are you more likely to feel worn out after, retreating to the corner of your couch to refill your social fuel tank? The difference might depend on the friends we choose to keep. In our society of more is more,… Read More Five signs of a great friend or partner

So this week has been a dichotomy of happy personal occasions (working on that post!) colored by precariousness in the peripheral world. At lunch over yellow lentil, onion and cilantro dosas, my girlfriend and I discussed our concerns as our babies rested unknowingly in their strollers. We had just seen “Wind River”, a solemn film. On… Read More An overnight confession and pear peanut butter protein smoothie

It’s fall! Even though D.C. feels like the end of July with degrees in the 90s, and my scarves remain sadly and securely tucked away, fall is officially here. I swear. Which means Rosh Hashanah- the Jewish new year- and Yom Kippur are as well, and two things come to mind- family time and pomegranate… Read More Pomegranate seed oatmeal and a sweet new year

I wasn’t sure how to start this post, so I’ll just come out with it- we had our baby bee! She is snuggly, smells delicious, and hearts milk. And it all seems like it happened so fast! It’s like Dr. P and I talked about getting pregnant, got pregnant, and then boom! Baby. Ok, not… Read More My birth story and finding calm as a new mom

At the risk of sounding like a 4th grader’s diary entry- soo much has happened since I last wrote! I’ve had a few months of brain-space-otherwise-occupied. Here are the highlights: We got pregnant. I got laid off. I started another full time dietitian job (first day was today!) I began a part-time private practice. I chopped my hair… Read More Healthy mac and cheese, a maqui powder mistake, and pregnancy cravings

Revision and update: Hey guys! Since this post was originally published, I came across another blogger’s tight, to-the-point list of tips that may help us decrease our unsightly bits. Fruits, vegetables, exercise (cardio and weights), hydration, adequate protein, and whole grains equal just plain, good livin’. Other advice, such as apple cider vinegar shots, may… Read More What to do about cellulite: The Health at Every Size mentality

Nutrition is not a vacuum. Just as we are more than a combination of hair and eyes and feelings and job titles, a nut is more than a fat source and some fiber. An apple has calories and anthocyanins, this is true, but it is also made up of a sort of magic that nutrition… Read More Food synergy: Why whole foods are better than processed

I voted today! This morning at 6:55 am to be precise. Dr. P announced last night that he would be slithering out of bed at 5:45 to make it to the polls when they opened. I am not an early riser, and I figured Lady and I would just stay in bed until 7:30, my… Read More Awesome and healthy, high protein pancakes

Looking for a terrific add-on to your typical lunch options? I’m obsessed with the one I scarfed down today. It had everything I look for in a quick lunch: Delicious Healthy Fast Did I say delicious? I was in between walking the dog, making patient calls, and mentally prepping for my friend’s birthday party tonight… Read More Quick Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Sometimes it’s easy to have a solidly good workout, and other times? A bit more challenging. For example, there are days where I can’t wait, I’m dying to, I’m literally craving cardio and kettlebell swings (yes, I’m really serious!). And there are times I’d rather throw myself down the stairs than haul my tired booty out the door. It’s on these… Read More Common mistakes in the gym

Finding balance in our lives can be as difficult as finding a handsome, smart, successful, emotionally healthy guy on a Match.com first date. We think we have him, his messages were nice, he picked us up in a clean car, he chose a good restaurant, and then he says something like, “Just so you know, my wife… Read More Finding our balance

I just got back from a 10 day, blow-your-mind fantastic trip to Israel. First, go. Please, go. It was magical. Second, they had the most delicious looking/smelling/tasting breads. Among a gazillion other amazingly tasty food stuffs. But their carb game was on point. Are we hungry yet? Or are we avoiding carbs this week? Let’s talk… Read More Catastrophic Carb Confusion

What is the secret ingredient to a long + happy life? Good genes help. And good jeans help. But honestly? Quality friendships provide the biggest boost. According to the Mayo Clinic, having people we can count on can: Intensify belonging and purpose Promote happiness and decrease stress Improve self-confidence and self-efficacy Help us better deal with bad… Read More Quality relationships for a longer life

I’m sure you guys have heard this oft-quoted, catchy Hippocrates saying: “Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”. It seems that sometime before Google search, an animal agriculture executive must have sat down at the end of a hard day, had a few drinks and tried to recite this saying to his colleagues. “I… Read More Wendy’s to remove antibiotic laden chickens from menu

Hiii! Happy hump day! Wednesday, guys! Which means we’re another day closer to the Suicide Squad release. Yes! This weekend also happens to be my 32nd birthday- how’d that happen? To ensure another 32+ years of health for all of us, I wanted to share some quick tips on how to promptly improve our diets. This is a… Read More 8 ways to improve our diet…today

When I was in graduate school, my dad took me to see Alanis Morissette at the Taft Theatre in Cincinnati on a cool, summer night. When we walked in, a bit late, the opening act was already on stage. One guy, one guitar, and a haunting voice- I fell in love with Alexi Murdoch’s music… Read More Citizens of the Planet

Two things are on my mind after this weekend- babies and muffins. Such a girly combo, right? Dr. P and I finally had the chance to hop the 2 hours south to meet our best friends’ 1-month old baby, J. J is adooorrable! We are heels above head, totally in love. And our friends are doing an amazing… Read More Vegan + gluten free banana peanut butter muffins

I’ve been keepin ‘ a little Five Star notebook to document my workouts and weight amounts since I was a teenager. I like to see my progress. For example, I used 15 lb dumbbells for chest press in high school, 25 lbs in college, and now I rep 30s or 35s. Documenting helps keep me honest, too-… Read More Awesome workout to kill your booty

I was super happy last Sunday night. I felt like a Top Chef. Or at least one of those totally put together women. We know the ones- they host lavish dinner parties where guests whisper, “She is the best cook ever” while passing around homemade macaroons. Yes, that sounds delightful. I’m not quite there yet- but dreaming… Read More Most (positively) delicious veggie lasagna

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Hi, I'm Joanna.

I'm a private practice dietitian living in Washington DC. I believe in sustainability, moderation, and self-love. I specialize in plant-based eating, diabetes, heart disease, healthy aging, and weight management. I'm learning how to rock momhood while trying to maintain a healthy and active existence. I try to write humorous, inspiring posts about my health and fitness adventures. Glad you found me!